Magnetic Latching for Poultry Transport Saddle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport apparatuses for poultry in the food-processing industry face issues with secure and low-wear positioning due to spring-actuated latching mechanisms, which are not secure in the locking position and prone to wear, requiring increased installation space and being difficult to clean.
Innovation Solution
A latching device utilizing magnetic elements, where opposite poles attract the latching lever into the locking position and repel it back, ensuring secure and precise positioning with reduced mechanical loading and easier cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-actuated latching mechanisms are used, then the latching lever can be actuated into the locking position, but the locking position is not secure and the spring force causes increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-actuated mechanical latching system with a magnetic field-based latching system. The magnetic holding device generates a magnetic field that exerts holding force on the latching lever without mechanical contact, eliminating spring wear and providing secure locking. The magnetic field can be controlled to release the latching lever when needed, maintaining functionality without the wear problems of mechanical springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the holding device and the latching lever. This magnetic field acts as a non-contact force mediator that provides secure holding without the direct mechanical contact and friction that cause wear in spring-based systems. The magnetic field serves as the transmission medium for the holding force.
2Reliability
If spring-actuated latching mechanisms are used, then the latching lever can be held in the locking position, but the mechanism requires increased installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky mechanical spring system with a compact magnetic field generation system. The magnetic holding device can be implemented with smaller components that generate magnetic fields, reducing the overall installation space required while maintaining the latching function. The magnetic field extends through space without requiring large mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If spring-actuated latching mechanisms are used, then the latching lever can be actuated, but the mechanism is difficult to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical spring system with a magnetic field-based system that has fewer moving parts and no tight spaces where debris can accumulate. The magnetic holding device and latching mechanism have smoother surfaces and fewer crevices, making them easier to clean and maintain in food processing environments where hygiene is critical.
4Ease of operation
If spring-actuated latching mechanisms are used, then the latching lever can be held in the release position, but the spring force causes mechanical loading and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical actuation system with a magnetic field-based system. The magnetic holding device can be controlled to provide holding force in the locked position and release it for actuation without the constant mechanical loading and wear that springs impose on the latching lever and associated components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The magnetic latching device provides a durable, compact, and easy-to-clean solution with greater holding force in the locking position and lower force in the release position, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the transport apparatus.
Implementation Method 1
unlike poles of the first magnetic element and of the second magnetic element are located opposite one another so as to attract one another and pull the latching lever into the locking position
Implementation Method 2
like poles of the second magnetic element and of the third magnetic element are located opposite one another so as to repel one another and push the latching lever into the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transporting poultry bodies/parts has a transport saddle fastened to a transport unit. A holding apparatus fastens the saddle to the unit, and has a receptacle body for the unit and a fastening body for the saddle. The fastening body is releasably and rotatably connected to the body. The holding apparatus has a latching device to lock the fastening body and saddle, having a latching lever and two latching bolts. The lever on a main body of the receptacle body pivots from a locking position where the lever engaged the bolt into a release position where the lever is out of engagement with the bolt. A first actuating member actuates the lever from the locking into the release position and a second actuating member rotates the fastening body in the release position. First and second magnetic elements with unlike poles pull the lever into the locking position.